Senior Maintenance Assistant

Job Purpose

Help us care for the Zoo by maintaining and improving the buildings, facilities and habitats that support our animals, staff and visitors.

As a Senior Maintenance Assistant, you will undertake skilled maintenance and construction work, lead assigned projects and provide practical guidance to colleagues, helping ensure the Zoo remains safe, secure and fit for purpose, with animal welfare at the heart of everything you do.

Key Responsibilities

• Construction & Carpentry
• Lead and undertake the construction, installation, maintenance and repair of structures, including animal habitats, fencing, doors, windows, roofing and timber-framed buildings.
• Interpret technical drawings, sketches and specifications, ensuring projects are delivered accurately and to a high standard.
• Plan and organise construction activities, including measuring, preparing and selecting suitable materials to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
• Undertake skilled carpentry and construction tasks, applying practical knowledge and experience to develop effective solutions.
• Carry out roofing, flooring and general finishing works, including tiling, painting and other building maintenance activities.
• Assess existing structures and recommend appropriate repairs, modifications or improvements.
• Support the planning and delivery of larger maintenance and construction projects, ensuring work is completed safely and within agreed timescales.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, ensuring structures are safe, durable and suitable for their intended purpose.
• Animal Enclosures & Welfare Support
• Take a leading role in constructing, modifying and maintaining enclosures for mammals, birds and reptiles in close collaboration with animal care teams.
• Provide practical advice on construction methods, materials and enclosure improvements, considering animal welfare, safety, durability and species-specific requirements.
• Identify potential hazards or structural weaknesses within animal enclosures and recommend appropriate action.
• Design, construct, modify and maintain animal transport crates in accordance with applicable International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of enclosure improvements, balancing animal welfare requirements with operational and maintenance considerations.
• Ensure construction and maintenance activities are planned and carried out to minimise disruption to animals, staff and visitors.
• Liaise with animal care staff to ensure appropriate safety arrangements are in place before undertaking work in or around animal habitats.
• Maintenance & Facilities
• Undertake and coordinate routine and complex maintenance, inspections and repairs to buildings, equipment and infrastructure across the Zoo.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of planned preventative maintenance schedules to reduce breakdowns and improve the reliability of facilities.
• Diagnose faults, identify suitable solutions and carry out repairs efficiently and safely.
• Maintain and repair water systems, including pumps, drainage, pipework and associated equipment, working within the limits of personal competence and any relevant qualification requirements.
• Inspect and maintain security infrastructure, including locks, gates, fencing and access points, ensuring they remain secure and fully operational.
• Identify recurring maintenance issues and recommend long-term improvements or preventative solutions.
• Assess the urgency of maintenance requests and help prioritise work according to safety, animal welfare and operational requirements.
• Support the maintenance of tools, machinery and equipment, ensuring they are safe, serviceable and correctly stored.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, defects and outstanding repairs, reporting issues requiring further action to the appropriate person.
• Health, Safety & Environment
• Promote and maintain high standards of health and safety across all maintenance and construction activities.
• Work safely within the Zoo environment, including areas containing potentially dangerous animals.
• Follow and support the implementation of relevant health and safety procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work and emergency protocols.
• Identify hazards, assess risks and take appropriate action to prevent accidents or unsafe working conditions, escalating concerns where necessary.
• Ensure tools, machinery and equipment are operated safely and in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Support safe working arrangements for colleagues, contractors and other personnel involved in maintenance activities.
• Consider environmental sustainability when selecting materials, managing waste and undertaking construction or repair work.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and undertake physically demanding tasks as required.
• Report accidents, near misses, defects and safety concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Stop work where necessary if an activity presents an immediate safety risk, and ensure concerns are reported to the appropriate person.
• Team & Visitor Interaction
• Support the Maintenance Manager or Deputy in the day-to-day coordination of maintenance activities.
• Take responsibility for assigned projects and tasks, working independently and using initiative to deliver work efficiently and to a high standard.
• Provide practical guidance, technical advice and support to junior maintenance colleagues and other team members.
• Assist with training and mentoring less experienced staff, promoting safe working practices and high standards of workmanship.
• Help coordinate workloads and organise materials, tools and equipment to ensure maintenance tasks are completed efficiently.
• Liaise with external contractors and suppliers when required, supporting the safe and effective delivery of contracted works.
• Communicate progress, potential delays and maintenance concerns to management and relevant departments.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying improvements in working practices, maintenance processes and the condition of Zoo facilities.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to minimise disruption to daily Zoo operations and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for visitors.
• The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time.
• Knowledge, Skill and Ability
• Previous experience in a maintenance role, with strong practical skills in carpentry and general building work.
• Good knowledge of general building repairs, maintenance methods, materials and tools.
• Ability to interpret drawings, plans and specifications and translate them into practical construction work.
• Proven ability to work independently, organise tasks and solve technical problems.
• Experience carrying out repairs and preventative maintenance across a range of buildings or facilities.
• Good understanding of workplace health and safety and safe working practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, management and external contractors.
• Willingness to provide guidance and support to less experienced team members.
• Ability to prioritise competing maintenance requirements and respond appropriately to urgent situations.
• A flexible, practical and proactive approach to working in a busy, varied and sometimes challenging environment.
• Full driving licence.
• Own hand tools.
• Good level of spoken and written English.
• Behaviours and Values
• Acts with integrity and in the best interests of the organisation.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, reliability and pride in their work.
• Takes a proactive and adaptable approach, demonstrating a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in animal welfare and environmental care.
• Introduction to Durrell

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity working to save species from extinction.

Headquartered in Jersey in the Channel Islands, Durrell focuses on the most threatened species in the most threatened places.

Established by author and conservationist, Gerald Durrell, in 1959, Durrell delivers its conservation mission through our three integrated core areas of operation:

JERSEY ZOO

A centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training and education.

CONSERVAT ION KNOWLEDGE

Training future conservation practitioners and monitoring and evaluating conservation science which underpins all Durrell activities.

FIELD PROGRAMMES

Conservation action where it is needed most.

• With a track record of 60 years,